Crokinole, an elegant dexterity game first invented in Canada during the 1870's, has become so wildly popular there is now an annual world championship!
Crokinole boards must feature a smooth surface to allow discs to slide smoothly without friction, so learn how to build one using appropriate wood, dimensions, and design elements.
The Basics
Crokinole is an engaging and thrilling board game played on a small wooden surface, where players form strategies to shoot discs into a central hole. A typical set typically consists of the board itself as well as a wood storage box to house game disks and small wooden pegs - with 42 scoring holes drilled throughout so players can keep score during gameplay.
Homemade crokinole boards can be created from many materials, yet must meet precise standards regarding playing surface diameter and overall dimensions. Most boards typically feature 24" playing surface diameter and 22-24" total board size; veneer inlays or wood base materials like maple, walnut oak or mahogany may be utilized as their bases; then coated with an attractive, smooth and durable play surface can complete their construction.
Crokinole is a game for two to four players that requires them to attempt to shoot their disc into the center circle for scoring purposes. Outer circles earn smaller scores while inner circles earn up to 20 points - it is a popular pastime played across Canada's homes, schools and businesses alike.
Whoever wishes to experience the excitement of making their own homemade crokinole board can use a template and woodworking tools to do just that. While designs vary between makers, each features eight pegs arranged in concentric rings around a central hole with an easily navigable playing surface.
A great crokinole board requires careful consideration to detail, particularly with regards to pegs and discs. Each disc must be of precise dimensions while their pegs should fit tightly around them for secure gameplay.
Crafting traditions such as crokinole are therapeutic and provide a means of relaxation and focus, while simultaneously building intergenerational bonds among elders and youth as they work together on tangible expressions of cultural identity.
Materials
Crokinole boards come in either circular or octagonal shapes and feature raised railings to keep game pieces off the table or floor during gameplay, along with a center hole containing pegs that help slow discs when flicked across it during gameplay. Players use cue sticks for this two- or multi-player sport.
Crokinole discs (also referred to as biscuits, counters, buttons or crokinole men) are typically constructed of wood and come in various colors to help players distinguish their own from that of an opponent's discs. It is advised that every player have at least two distinct colored discs for easy scoring purposes.
Crafting your own crokinole board can be a thrilling and fulfilling hobby that yields beautiful pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation. Plus, making your own saves you money when purchasing one online retailers!
Crokinole boards can be constructed using various materials, but the best ones typically utilize maple wood to ensure strength and durability. Lamination also adds extra support and durability for any given board.
Crokinole sets usually include the game board, 24 discs, a wooden storage box for them and small pegs with 42 holes to track scores easily.
Modern technology has provided many advantages for society, yet people longing for simpler things still long for traditional crafts such as woodworking. This has led to an explosion of old-world craftsmanship such as this being revived in recent years.
Handmade goods offer timeless style that's both classic and contemporary. Handicrafts refers to art and design objects made with raw materials that require manual labor or blue-collar work ethic, may contain cultural or religious meaning, and often become popular briefly before becoming less so over time.
Design
Crokinole is an exciting tabletop dexterity game that combines skill, strategy and enjoyment into an engaging experience for people of all ages around Canada, the US and beyond. This popular pastime offers both physical and intellectual challenges while being accessible for players of all skill levels - it has quickly become a worldwide craze! There is an array of crokinole boards to suit individual player budgets with each featuring its own distinctive design; players will also have access to all necessary pieces that provide an enjoyable playing experience.
Typical crokinole boards typically measure 22-24 inches in diameter. They may be constructed out of plywood with hardwood inlays such as oak, birdseye maple, mahogany or walnut; handmade boards with exotic veneers like lacewood or Russian baltic may also be an option. Finally, spray carnauba wax polishing ensures an attractive yet long-term finish on these wooden pieces.
Crokinole boards feature raised rails to prevent discs from sliding off of their bases during play. Usually about 1/4-inch higher than the playing surface, these rims are constructed out of wood or metal for durability and can even be painted or powder coated for added style and style.
Crokinole does not feature the same level of area control as other dexterity-based games; however, strategically placing discs can still influence game outcomes and contribute to its high replay value. This aspect makes crokinole so appealing to so many players and gives it high replay value.
Each crokinole game consists of a tabletop board in either round or octagonal shape and 24 wooden discs that are shot around it to score points. These discs may be known by various names including discs, biscuits, counters, buttons, chips or pucks and can come in an assortment of colors. There is also a scoring box and rules sheet available to keep score.
There is also an assortment of crokinole accessories available to players, such as acrylic holders and cases, carrying bags, and various types of lubricating powders and waxes that players can purchase to help keep discs moving smoothly on the board during gameplay. Lubricants help remove dust, debris, fingerprints or any other interferences with play; especially important for novice players just beginning crokinole!
Finishing
Crokinole boards require finishing touches that can range from simply coating fasteners with car wax to prevent them from scratching the table, to using high-quality wood stain to enhance its appearance and can be found both at home improvement stores and specialty retailers. A set of 12 discs from each color should also make painting the board easy for both players.
A typical game board comprises of a polished wooden playing surface measuring 26 inches (670 mm). This surface contains three concentric circles worth 5, 10, and 15 points respectively from outermost to innermost, plus a central gutter to collect any misfires, with pegs or bumpers strategically placed to slow the rebound of discs when being shot at the board.
Shooting involves flicking a disc from one of the four corners of the board with fingers or small cue sticks, with an aim to land in a higher scoring zone nearer the center circle or to knock opponent discs off into the gutter - ultimately scoring as many points as possible at the end of a round to win!
Nearly every crokinole board includes its own set of rules to govern setup, playability and scoring system for the game. Some rules may vary slightly from set to set or even between players - others might just differ slightly according to brand or even player preference.
Crokinole is a wonderful family game, but also boasts an avid following among serious competitive players and enthusiasts. The sport has gained enough of a global fan base that there is now an annual World Crokinole Championship held annually in Tavistock, Ontario Canada. Crokinole matches may seem calm at first glance but under its quiet surface lies drama, strategy and intense concentration required to execute successful shots; yet still offering enjoyment by people of all ages and skill levels alike!